Gale leads Tykes to draw

Durham denied on final day

Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale hit an unbeaten century to ensure his side's LV County Championship fixture against Durham at Chester-le-Street ended in a draw.

The Tykes began the final day on 13-0 in their second innings, needing another 211 just to make Durham bat again.

Yorkshire were in trouble at 59-2 when Joe Root (28) fell lbw to Graham Onions (1-61) and Stephen Harmison (1-51) had Anthony McGrath caught behind for a seven-ball duck.

Adam Lyth and Gale steadied the ship with a 95-run, third-wicket stand either side of lunch.

Lyth (69) was stumped off spinner Ian Blackwell's bowling and Jonathan Bairstow (6) run out shortly afterwards to keep Durham in the hunt heading into the evening session.

But Gary Ballance joined Gale in an unbroken 120-run alliance for the fifth wicket to make the draw safe.

Gale brought up his second County Championship hundred of the season from 200 balls, including 15 fours.

He remained 101 not out when stumps were drawn, while Ballance was unbetean on 53.

Day three

Paul Collingwood's first Durham century for six years gave his side a chance of forcing victory against Yorkshire heading into the final day of their rain-affected fixture at Chester-le-Street.

Collingwood, who made six tons for the north-east county in the 2005 season before establishing himself in the England Test line-up, hit 108 from 157 balls as Durham reached 408-8 declared in response to Yorkshire's first-innings of 185.

Durham had slipped to 141-5 before Collingwood, Phil Mustard (70) and Scott Borthwick (67no) rode to the rescue, carving out a lead of 223 before the declaration came late on day three.

Yorkshire were there own worst enemies, dropping six chances in all, including Richard Pyrah at slip putting down Mustard first ball off the impressive Steven Patterson (3-82).

The Tykes were also not happy when umpire Tim Robinson changed his mind after giving out Mustard, lbw to Adil Rashid on 58, apparently realising that the Durham captain had edged the ball on to his pad.

Yorkshire openers Adam Lyth (4no) and Joe Root (4no) survived seven overs through to the close at 13-0 in their second innings.

Day two

Durham reduced Yorkshire for 170-9 on a second rain-hit day of play at the Emirates Durham ICG.

After day one ended a total washout, only 53 overs were bowled on the second day but that was still enough for the Division One leaders to take charge.

The visitors were in trouble straight away as opener Adam Lyth went for a duck, with Anthony McGrath soon following him after scoring just three.

Youngsters Joe Root (27) and Jonny Bairstow (38) steadied the ship somewhat, before rain and bad light halted play in the middle of the day.

After they had fallen, Adil Rashid took responsibility with a knock of 47 but his dismissal started a run of three wickets for four runs, with two of the scalps being claimed by Paul Collingwood.

Graham Onions finished the day with 3-66, while Collingwood and Steve Harmison each took two wickets.

Day one

No play was possible on the first day of the first division Championship match between leaders Durham and Yorkshire at Chester-le-Street.

Persistent rain throughout the day caused the umpires to abandon in mid-afternoon.

With five wins from eight games, Durham are 17 points clear at the top, while Yorkshire have not won since the opening match at Worcestershire and lie seventh with 62 points.